Posts

It’s a little bit difficult to pick the best hiking boots for wide feet. If you have wide feet, you’re at a disadvantage. This doesn’t just apply to hiking boots, however. It applies to every kind of boot.

It’s hard to find a comfortable pair of hiking shoes if you have wide feet. If your feet are flat and double the width of normal feet, it could be hard to find a comfortable pair of hiking boots for those arduous winter treks.

Shoe Stores Are A Good First Option

One option you have is to go to a New Balance store and get measured for width. New Balance is a store based in the U.S., and they have a unique in-store measuring process and corresponding shoe size widths for all their shoes. Not only do you pick the length size when you go into a New Balance store, you pick the width size too.

Running shoe stores are ideal places to look when you’re trying to find shoes that will fit your wide feet. It’s not just New Balance in particular. There are lots of stores that have similar shoe width measuring options. New Balance is a favorite go-to store though because they do have shoe width measuring built right in. Plus, New Balance has a section just for hiking shoes.

It’s All In The Laces: That’s The Secret

One of the problems of picking out shoes for wide feet is that you may feel like your feet are slipping and sliding, like a little sloppy on the inside. You can try tightening the laces at mid-foot just a little bit tighter, and that usually solves the problem. One of the best ways to fix a too-wide shoe (one you had to buy because your feet are so wide) is to learn how to operate the laces. The laces make the shoes easy to wear and comfortable if you’ve accidentally purchased shoes that are just a little too wide.

It’s a little bit difficult to pick the best hiking boots for wide feet. If you have wide feet, you’re at a disadvantage. This doesn’t just apply to hiking boots, however. It applies to every kind of boot.

It’s hard to find a comfortable pair of hiking shoes if you have wide feet. If your feet are flat and double the width of normal feet, it could be hard to find a comfortable pair of hiking boots for those arduous winter treks.

Shoe Stores Are A Good First Option

One option you have is to go to a New Balance store and get measured for width. New Balance is a store based in the U.S., and they have a unique in-store measuring process and corresponding shoe size widths for all their shoes. Not only do you pick the length size when you go into a New Balance store, you pick the width size too.

Running shoe stores are ideal places to look when you’re trying to find shoes that will fit your wide feet. It’s not just New Balance in particular. There are lots of stores that have similar shoe width measuring options. New Balance is a favorite go-to store though because they do have shoe width measuring built right in. Plus, New Balance has a section just for hiking shoes.

It’s All In The Laces: That’s The Secret

One of the problems of picking out shoes for wide feet is that you may feel like your feet are slipping and sliding, like a little sloppy on the inside. You can try tightening the laces at mid-foot just a little bit tighter, and that usually solves the problem. One of the best ways to fix a too-wide shoe (one you had to buy because your feet are so wide) is to learn how to operate the laces. The laces make the shoes easy to wear and comfortable if you’ve accidentally purchased shoes that are just a little too wide.

Wide-Width Hiking Boots

Wide-width hiking boots are often designed for wide feet, and it is possible to shop for them online, especially if the shoes are advertised as wide-width. Furthermore, if you know your shoe width, like if it’s been measured previously, you can easily look at the size online and know for sure if the shoe is going to fit you well. Don’t pick shoes that are rated highly if they’re ordinary hiking shoes. They may have all the features right, but the fit may just be not right for your particular foot.

You can often see shoe pairs advertised as wide-width, like on the Merrell website, for example.

Wide-width hiking boots are the best kinds of shoes for you, as a hiker with wide feet, to purchase, and the fit is crucial because you’re going to be hiking for several hours a day. More than any other kind of shoe, it’s important to pick wide-width hiking boots, as opposed to just tennis shoes. You don’t want to start developing big blisters on your feet because you were wrongheaded in your purchase process.

For example, you can purchase the Men’s Moab Mid Gore-Tex wide width hiking boot on the Merrell website. This kind of product model description makes it clear what kind of hiking boot you’re buying when you buy it. It is clear when you buy hiking boots like this that you’re getting wide-width. There is absolutely no question about it.

It can be tempting to purchase the most highly-rated shoes, but you have to choose width first, and rating second. If you don’t, your feet are going to be uncomfortable, no matter how high the rating is.

Hopefully, you know what you need to know now about how to pick the best hiking boots for wide feet. It can be daunting at first, to see the vast selection at an online shopping comparison site, and have virtually no confidence in any of the shoes, no matter how highly rated they are. It can be difficult to find the kind of shoes you want unless you really go into a shoe store and try them on. It’s just not worth it to risk running up that trail with shoes that cramp your mid-foot.

Best waterproof hiking boots for women are what you need to be looking at if you plan on doing some serious winter hiking. Even if you’re not going to be doing winter hiking where it’s inherently wet outside, you’re still going to have to deal with rainfall on a regular basis when you’re hiking most mountainous areas. Water resistance is an extremely important factor in choosing hiking boots for women because so much hiking is done in places that receive a lot of rainfall throughout the year. Whether you’re on the mountain, hiking alongside a stream, or down in some cave somewhere, you’re usually in areas that see a lot of water. If you don’t choose hiking boots with a lot of waterproof protection all-around, then your feet are going to get wet and soaked, and that can be unpleasant and even dangerous.

GORE-TEX Or Not? What’s Best For Water Resistance?

You are going to cut down on the breathability of your shoes if you have that waterproof layer on them, and the membrane will also put some more weight on the boots. However, it’s well worth it, considering that your feet won’t get soaked and wet. However, if you are going to be hiking in desserty, hot, and dry areas, it could suit you to pick boots without the membrane so that your feet can be a little dryer on the inside. You won’t sweat as much down there if there is a breathable layer. If your feet start soaking through from the outside, you can incur a lot of difficulty and unpleasantness in hiking that is completely unnecessary. Just keep in mind that water can still spill in from the top of the shoe, and some shoes with a waterproof lining only protect against shallow water. You need to procure shoes that protect water from spilling in through the top too, and that means buying some heavy-duty boots which lace up ight.

What About The Fit?

Fit is the most important thing to think about when buying hiking boots. If a boot is too big, then your heel will slip and slide inside, and it will lead to blisters. Plus, your foot could slide forward when you’re trekking downhill, and it could cause toe-bang. If a boot is too little, then it will cramp up your toes, and it will lead to blisters, and it will make some parts of your feet go numb too.

You need your toes to be able to wiggle around in the top area of your boot, but you don’t a lot of extra length in the front part through. Make certain that the boot laces around the whole foot entirely, holding your foot in place inside the boots.

If you have a foot that’s an unusual size, like a foot that is particularly wide or narrow, then search for a pair of boots that have sizing choices tailored for your foot, like the Lowa Renegade or Vasque Breeze that have very wide and narrow options. Spending some extra time to get the right fit will significantly enhance your hiking experience.

What’s A Good Pair Of Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots?

The KEEN Women’s Gypsum Mid Hiking boot comes in at $139, and it’s made out of fabric and leather, with a rubber sole, and it has a KEEN.DRY trademarked waterproof breathable membrane. This hiking boot offers comfort and stability mile after mile, no matter how tough the hiking trek is. Whether you’re running errands and going about your business around town, or whether you’re hitting trails, these hiking boots work equally well. They are stylish and fashionable enough to wear in the city, but they are durable and strong enough to wear on the trail too. They have a lightweight and flexible design that is low-profile, a nubuck-leather waterproof upper, and a TPU shank that minimizes foot fatigue. The waterproof uppers give you breathable protection. Since conditions can change rapidly, this hiking boots offers you a number of distinct moisture-protection features. Water will stay out, and your foot will be able to breathe too. The waterproof membrane will wick away vapor and moisture to guard against your foot odor.

Now, you know a lot more as far as choosing the best waterproof hiking boots for women. You won’t be so flabbergasted when you go into a store and don’t know how to make up your mind. You’ll have a clear idea of where to start.

When April showers start pouring down and the snow starts melting on the ground, it’s time to put those snowshoes and ski boots in storage and pull out your hiking boots. If you have a pair of hiking boots that just don’t cut it, then you could end up with a muddy backside, blistered feet, and wet socks. You could also buy a cheap pair of hiking shoes that actually work. Let’s look at some reliable mid-range hiking shoes for under $100.

Let’s look at the top four picks for best budget hiking boots, and they all come in women’s and men’s versions.

The Salomon Synapse boot, coming at a $60 starting price, which is well within the budget of most consumers, is specifically designed for trail running, or for getting over a lot of ground quickly. The midsole has a downward tilted design, toward the toe, to move the wearer forward quickly. A record holder who finished the fastest hike of the Appalachian Trail wore these cheap shoes to accomplish her feat, pun intended. Amateurs, too, have found these shoes to be supremely comfortable and durable.

The mid-cut L.L. Bean Waterproof Tail Model Hikers, coming at a slightly higher price of $90, are traditional hiking boots that rise up a little more on the ankle to offer more protection and support. The mid-cut design alone is usually enough to put a shoe over the $100 mark, and this low-priced pair is waterproof as well. Moreover, several reviewers talk about how effective the waterproof lining is.

The Keen Alamosa WP, coming in at a price of $72, is meant for hikers who want a waterproof shoe. It’s not enough that a hiking boot be comfortable and hold up over rough terrain, it has to be waterproof to boot, pun intended. You never know what kind of watery or wintry weather you’re going to get out on the trail. You have to ensure that your feet stay protected, no matter what. If you’re out on a trail, and you have no way of returning home without a lot of hiking, your feet could end up sore, wet, and blistered if you have to hike back with wet feet. In this price range, the term “waterproof” is often used pretty loosely, but reviewers attest to how well the waterproof membrane that lines the shoe holds up and stops water from seeping through. They also mention the extremely lightweight, yet sturdy, construction, including suede-like, durable nubuck leather and a rubber toe bumper.

The Merrell Moab Ventilator, coming in at just $72, has been called an excellent value in many side-by-side comparisons by hiking experts. This is a hiking shoe that is incredibly supportive, and it grips the trail with deep treads, or lugs, yet it’s very comfortable and lightweight, according to reviews published online. Even though the Ventilator is not waterproof, it has a very breathable mesh upper that let dry out quickly in warm weather. The signature ventilation also helps stop blisters by airing out sweaty, hot feet.

Light hiking boots reign supreme at the cheaper end of the market, and they have become a very popular alternative to heavy-duty boots for backpacking. A several-day trip with a heavy pack over tough, unsteady terrtain calls for a big boot with a heftier price tag. However, if you’re just going after day hikes that don’t veer too far from the trail, a lot of hikers prefer footwear that is a lot more nimble. That can mean a low-cut shoe, but a lot of mid-cut boots offer a similar low cost and light weight.

Another signature of this kind of boot is a sole that’s supportive without necessarily being too stiff. All four pairs listed in the review above seem to walk that line, pun intended. They have foot beds made out of cushy EVA. However, there’s not a single thing that can make a boot feel comfortable if it doesn’t fit right.

If you’re consider investing in some heavy-duty hiking gear this spring, you don’t have to spend several hundred dollars on a pair of hiking shoes, at least. While you may overspend in other areas, you will at least be able to say that you were too well-informed to spend a lot on hiking boots after having read this article.

Having a home herb garden can be incredibly beneficial for a variety of reasons. Herbs can be used to flavor food, used for a refreshing tea, they can be used for medicinal purposes and even planted alongside other plants for pest control. Growing herbs is certainly nothing new as it’s known that the Egyptians and ancient Chinese made good use of them. Not only that, they are referred to in the Bible and, according to medieval writings herbs were very commonplace in kitchens. The diversity of growing them is wonderful, let alone what you can actually do with them once they are ready for harvesting.

Herbs can be planted as a hedge, in amongst other plants, have its own garden or even in pots indoors or out. Did you know that a small area of four feet by six feet would be ample to sustain a small family? When we think of her herbs we generally think of adding them to foods however, they are also popular for their aroma, their medicinal benefits as well as their beautiful flowers. You can use them either fresh or dry and in the culinary art they can be used to garnish or jazz up the flavor of the food your presenting.

You can find herbs growing as shrubs or trees, as annuals or perennials – much the same as other plant life. The main thing to have when planting is well-draining soil and the more organic it is the better, so if you find your soil is heavy then add some organic matter to it. You really don’t have to fertilize if you follow this rule. Except for a few herbs which prefer full shade, most like a sunny spot with shade in the afternoon. One of the main advantages is that they really do have very few diseases nor do insects plague them. In saying that, sometimes you may find red spider mites on the low-growing plants, usually when the weather is dry and hot. Dill, anise, caraway and fennel can get aphids and mint can be subject to rust.

You can begin your home herb garden from small seedlings that you buy at your garden shop, however, growing from actual seeds is the most wonderful experience. To watch your herb literally “blossom” into maturity gives such joy and satisfaction. So let’s look at how you go about starting from seeds. You should start late winter and begin by placing your seeds in a shallow box or container making sure you use a good organic, well-drained, light soil. Don’t cover the seeds too much as herbs don’t have a deep root base, so keep them closer to the top rather than the bottom of the box. A good rule of thumb is: the finer the seed the closer to the top it’s to be planted. Once Spring comes, the plants can then be transplanted outdoors. There are exceptions to where you should plant the seeds. Dill, fennel, anise and coriander seeds should be planted directly into the final place e.g. garden or pot, as they do not transplant well.

It really is extremely easy to have a home herb garden and it’s certainly rewarding, in saying that, there is a lot more information you should now before embarking on herb growing. This article, hopefully, is just a wee taste and enough to get you motivated. If you’re serious then you can find out plenty more right here!

Please feel free to look around the site, sign up for my free 10 day mini-course all About Herb Growing or read some of the articles. I do try to update as much as possible.

Easy herb growing

There’s a lot to be said about growing herbs indoors. First and foremost they are right there in easy reach to pick the required amount for your cooking requirements. No running out in the rain or the dark in order to get those few leaves which will add the special something to the dish. They also are constantly in view, so you are able to keep an eye on their health and attend to them when needed.

Indoor herbs give you, not only edible delights but depart such beautiful aromas around the kitchen or where-ever you have them settled. A large tub on the patio near the door is a welcoming fragrance for visitors.

Here are some tips for growing herbs indoors:

Choose healthy seedlings from your garden center and definitely start with the herbs you know you are going to use.

Anything can be used as a container (you don’t have to buy special pots) but do make sure it has excellent drainage.

Ensure that the potting mix is correct, ask at the garden center which is the right one.

Placing your herbs is crucial. Most will require a moderate amount of light so check the best window sill, near a glass door or under a skylight. During the summer months it’s great if you can take your herbs outside periodically, it will do them the world of good.

If your plants start growing long stems and the leaves start to fade or simply fall off, this usually indicates that the plant is not getting enough light. Shift the plant or, alternatively, you could look at a florescent light or specially designed plant lights.

Watering is essential, however, most herbs don’t like too much. Rule of thumb is to keep the soil moist so once every couple of weeks should be plenty. This will depend entirely on exactly where you have placed them as they will dry out quicker in a hotter area of the house. If the leaves begin to go yellow, it’s a sign that you have over-watered.

Speaking of water, I have an old large jug that I keep outside to catch the rain. I then use that as a supplement to tap water

If the air inside is too dry then simple misting of the leaves will give them the moisture they need. Keep the misting bottle handy to the plants and do it at a certain time each day

In order to keep the pests at bay you could add a little soapy water to the misting bottle. If you do see insects hovering about put a bit of tepid, soapy water into the sink, hold the base of the plant and tip it upside down in order to swirl the water around it. You will lose some of the soil doing this, so make sure to put some more back into the pot. This doesn’t hurt the plant at all, but will remove the bugs.

Herbs do grow well inside as long as some simple and basic rules are followed.